Atomic-level polarization in electric fields of defects for electrocatalysis.

ABSTRACT: The thriving field of atomic defect engineering towards advanced electrocatalysis relies on the critical role of electric field polarization at the atomic scale. While this is proposed theoretically, the spatial configuration, orientation, and correlation with specific catalytic properties of materials are yet to be understood. Here, by targeting monolayer MoS₂ rich in atomic defects, we pioneer the direct visualization of electric field polarization of such atomic defects by combining advanced electron microscopy with differential phase contrast technology. It is revealed that the asymmetric charge distribution caused by the polarization facilitates the adsorption of H*, which originally activates the atomic defect sites for catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Then, it

SUBMITTER: Xu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10686988 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature